Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, Zoo in the Jardin des Plantes, Paris, France
Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes is a zoo located within the Jardin des Plantes in Paris's 5th arrondissement, spread across several hectares with animals housed in both historic buildings and contemporary enclosures. Visitors encounter mammals, birds, reptiles, and other creatures in a green setting in the city center.
The zoo was established in 1794 following the French Revolution, making it one of the oldest continuously operating zoos worldwide. It evolved from a royal menagerie into a public institution dedicated to scientific study and education.
The Ménagerie functions as both a research facility and an educational center, where visitors learn about wildlife conservation through direct observation.
The location is easy to reach and offers walking routes through the grounds where you can explore the different enclosures at a comfortable pace. Plan to spend at least two to three hours to properly explore the various sections.
Many animals here participate in international breeding programs aimed at saving rare and endangered populations from extinction. This behind-the-scenes work often goes unnoticed by visitors but plays a crucial role in global conservation efforts.
Location: 5th arrondissement of Paris
Inception: December 11, 1794
Operator: Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle
Part of: Jardin des plantes
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-18:00
Website: http://mnhn.fr/fr/visitez/lieux/menagerie-zoo-jardin-plantes
GPS coordinates: 48.84545,2.36033
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03
These European zoos display animals from all continents. The institutions participate in species conservation programs and provide education about animals, their habitats, and ecosystems. Visitors observe rare and native species in naturalistic enclosures.
Paris offers many options for families with children, from large amusement parks to interactive museums. Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vallée features two themed parks focused on Disney characters, while Parc Astérix in Plailly offers roller coasters and shows inspired by Gaulish culture. In the city, the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie allows children to explore technology and science practically, with its planetarium and experimental zones. Families can also visit the Paris Zoological Park, which displays 180 species in habitats recreating different ecosystems, or explore the National Museum of Natural History with its fossil and mineral collections. For aquatic activities, Aquaboulevard has slides and wave pools under a roof. The Grevin Museum exhibits over 200 wax statues of famous personalities, while the Museum of Illusions engages viewers with interactive visual installations. La Villette Park combines green spaces, playgrounds, and cultural venues across 55 hectares.
Jardin des plantes
179 m
Galerie de Paléontologie et d’Anatomie comparée
336 m
Grandes serres du Jardin des plantes
308 m
Quai Saint-Bernard
184 m
Musée de la sculpture en plein air
168 m
Jardin Tino-Rossi
229 m
Galerie de Botanique
340 m
Botanic school of Jardin des Plantes
185 m
Hôtel de Magny
317 m
Port Saint-Bernard
227 m
Galerie de Paléobotanique
337 m
Premier Artiste
295 m
The Ring of Fire
312 m
Monument to Bernardin de Saint-Pierre
260 m
Mind Accumulation
202 m
Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck
289 m
Monument to Emmanuel Frémiet
339 m
Outdoor Sculpture Museum
237 m
Amphithéâtre Verniquet
276 m
Michel Eugène Chevreul
336 m
"Le Chasseur de crocodile" by Charles-Arthur Bourgeois
181 m
Science et mystère
344 m
Nymphe tourmentant un dauphin by Joseph Félon
304 m
Amazon
300 m
Le Charmeur de serpent by Charles-Arthur Bourgeois
90 m
Maison de Cuvier
250 m
Terrain de Jeux d'Enfants du Square Capitan
232 m
Esplanade Lamarck
292 mReviews
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